McLaughlin to leave legal aid

Henry W. McLaughlin III is stepping down after almost 30 years as executive director of the Central Virginia Legal Aid Society.

McLaughlin, 69, announced his departure yesterday to the CVLAS board and staff.

James A. McCauley, president of the CVLAS board, said there were tears at the news. “One of the great joys of my law practice was to meet Henry and work with him,” McCauley said. “He’s the face of legal aid.”

In his resignation letter, McLaughlin said his resignation is effective anytime after 30 days and no later than March 31.

He said he will start a solo practice with a focus on foreclosure prevention, with his son, daughter-in-law and stepdaughter as paralegals.

McLaughlin spent the first 11 years of his legal career as partner with his father in Halifax County, and he said he looked forward to finishing his career working with family members.